Chapter 150 (1/2)
“No, sir.”
“What is it, then?” Why the hell have you called?
“Leila left her husband. He finally admitted it to me. He’s washed his hands of her.”
This is news.
“I see.”
“He has an idea where she might be, but he wants his palm greased. Wants to know who’s so interested in his wife. Though that’s not what he called her.”
I fight my surging anger. “How much does he want?”
“He said two thousand.”
“He said what?” I shout, losing it. Why didn’t he just admit earlier that Leila had walked out on him? “Well, he could have told us the fucking truth. What’s his number? I need to call him. Welch, this is a real fuckup.”
I glance up, and Ana is standing awkwardly at the entrance to the living room, dressed in jeans and an ugly sweatshirt. She’s all big eyes and tight, pinched face, her suitcase beside her.
“Find her,” I snap, hanging up. I’ll deal with Welch later.
Ana walks over to the sofa, and from her backpack removes the Mac, her phone, and the key to her car. Taking a deep breath, she marches to the kitchen and lays all three items on the counter.
What the hell? She’s returning her things?
She turns to face me, determination clear on her small ashen face. It’s her stubborn look, the one I know so well.
“I need the money that Taylor got for my Beetle.” Her voice is calm but monotone.
“Ana, I don’t want those things—they’re yours.” She can’t do this to me. “Please, take them.”
“No, Christian. I only accepted them under sufferance, and I don’t want them anymore.”
“Ana, be reasonable!”
“I don’t want anything that will remind me of you. I just need the money that Taylor got for my car.” Her voice is devoid of emotion.
She wants to forget me.
“Are you really trying to wound me?”
“No, I’m not. I’m trying to protect myself.”
Of course—she’s trying to protect herself from the monster.
“Please Ana, take that stuff.”
Her lips are so pale.
“Christian, I don’t want to fight—I just need that money.”
Money. It always comes down to the fucking money.
“Will you take a check?” I snarl.
“Yes. I think you’re good for it.”